Please note that this organism is for archival use only. Please see the current Ciona intestinalis v2.0 site for the latest data and information.

The
Ciona intestinalis genome is the smallest of any experimentally
manipulable chordate. This organism provides a good system for exploring
the evolutionary origins of the chordate lineage, from which all vertebrates
sprouted.

C. intestinalis
has a good genomic infrastructure (EST and cDNA collections, BAC and cosmid
libraries, etc.), easily visualized cells and morphogenetic processes,
existing methods for transient transgene expressions, and is available
throughout the world all year long. In addition, there is a deep classical
literature on ascidian development, and an active community of researchers
worldwide.

The complete C.
intestinalis genome sequence will provide a foundation for genome-scale
analysis of regulatory networks through development.